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Stylish New Woodland Commons Amenities Offer Opportunities for Fun

Susan Ingram
February 4, 2025
Cedar Crest

Fancy a delectable three-course meal, an invigorating workout, or 18 holes of (indoor) golf? Maybe you'd rather relax with a good book? Or play a game of table shuffleboard, table tennis, billiards, or mah-jongg with friends?

All of that--and more--is available in the refreshed Woodland Commons Clubhouse at Cedar Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Pompton Plains, N.J. 

Since undergoing an extensive refresh of its restaurants and fitness center, plus the addition of a new media lounge and golf simulator, the clubhouse has become a bustling hub of resident activity. 

More to love

Drawn to Cedar Crest's variety of engaging activities, especially The Players theater group, playwriting classes, continuing education classes, and the in-house literary magazine, Lois Kipnis moved to the vibrant community in 2020. 

Now, thanks to the renovations at Woodland Commons, she has even more to love. 

"I love the ambience of the lobby. It's modern and welcoming," she says. "And the second-floor living rooms and Overlook restaurant are comfortable and spacious. The multipurpose rooms and classrooms on the second floor are convenient for meetings, classes, and rehearsals. They're large enough to invite a small audience to view plays or theater group presentations."

The upgraded Overlook restaurant comes alive at night for upscale dining, featuring popular comfort foods, regional recipes, and seasonal favorites, from bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin to Atlantic salmon--all fresh and cooked to order.

"The Overlook has become such a great dining venue," says Sales Director Ray Guarino. "New menu offerings--created by Dining Services Director Gilles Lerch and his team--are introduced weekly, so residents can always find something to enjoy."

Lois also enjoys the new game and card room, where people relax with cards, mah-jongg, Rummikub, Scrabble, and other games.

"The indoor shuffleboard game and pool tables are treats for my grandkids and my adult kids when they visit," she says. 

Bringing the outside in

The Woodland Commons upgrade was planned with a mission in mind: bringing the outdoors in. 

Now, residents are enjoying the flow that was created between the new Woodland Bistro and outdoor activities and amenities, including bocce, horseshoes, and the community's many walking paths.

"Residents are coming to the bistro before or after playing bocce or horseshoes outside," explains Guarino. "The clubhouse is really hopping!"

The bistro's warm and earthy color palette is highlighted with pops of color and crisp accents of stone and granite in walls and counters.

Woodland Bistro's menu ranges from a tasty selection of continental breakfast offerings to delicious lunch and dinner dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and entrees.

"The ambiance of the Woodland Bistro, where you can sit inside or outside with a lovely view, is a nice gathering place for coffee or a meal," Lois says. "I like it for lunch or a salad-to-go for dinner."

Work out and chill out

The expanded fitness center at Woodland Commons is now one of the largest in the community, offering an array of state-of-the-art equipment and programs, including Echelon Connect bikes, an Echelon Reflect fitness mirror, and smart treadmills with screens.

"Residents are really enjoying the new fitness center," says Fitness Manager Stacey Myers-Smith. "We have seen a lot of use of the Echelons, along with the TV in the fitness studio that residents use for YouTube and Wellbeats fitness classes. And the NuStep recumbent cross trainers are always popular."

For residents looking for a little quiet time, the updated clubhouse has a media lounge: a peaceful, calm space to grab a book or magazine to read or work on your laptop. 

And if your favorite way to chill out is 18 holes of golf, you're in luck! Woodland Commons recently installed a golf simulator, allowing residents to play more than a dozen virtual courses year-round, all from the comfort of the clubhouse.

"There is no such thing as an off-season when you have access to technology like this," says Sales Counselor Nicholas Rossiello. "Residents can set it up quickly and play an 18-hole round or practice their swing in a driving range session. The room has a really nice aesthetic, down to the chairs and decor."

‘Vibrant destination'

"Now, Woodland Commons is a vibrant destination for dining, socializing, and having fun--exactly what Cedar Crest is all about," says Guarino. 

"There are plenty of opportunities to meet so many interesting people and dine with a variety of people," agrees Lois. "There's something for everyone!"

To learn more about affordable, independent senior living at Cedar Crest, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.

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